Six Mets prospects with the potential to pitch in the big-league bullpen

1) RHP Luis Cessa

Why Ranked Here: Cessa slips 17 spots from last year because he basically pitched to an league average level at advanced-A as measured by run prevention. That's not a really strong harbinger of success as a Major League starter. More damning, his strikeout rate was below FSL average. On the other hand, Cessa's walk rate of 5.7% was three-quarters of FSL average. This is a pitcher who throws lots of strikes.

In terms of velocity, he works from 91-95, but mostly sits around 92-93. He can throw his slider and changeup for strikes, but both are below average in terms of movement. A truly optimistic projection says both of these pitches get to average, and he turns into a back-end starter. If they don't improve, he's bullpen bound in AA where perhaps he can wring a little more velocity out of his solid build. He's 6'3" and while he's not thick, he's not skinny either which suggests he will be durable. Actually, he already has proven to be durable.

Cessa, a converted infielder, has been pitching full time for four years now. He is no longer new to pitching. If he is to move back up the list, he must improve his breaking stuff.

Best-Case Scenario: Can I squint and say a back-end guy?

Worst-Case Scenario:AA fodder

Projected 2015 Start: AA

MLB Arrival: 2017

2) RHP Matt Bowman

Bats/Throws: R/R

Height/Weight: 6'0", 165 lbs

Acquired: 13th rd '12 draft (Princeton)

Born: 5/31/91 (Chevy Chase, MD)

2014 Overall Rank: NR | Stats

Bowman had a strong 2014 working as a starter in double-A and triple-A to earn a spot on this list.

However, Bowman moves no higher because he does not have a Major League average pitch. Bowman works off a fastball that's a little below average in the 89-91 range. He has both a curve and a slider and uses a split-finger fastball as his changeup.

Bowman gets the most out of what he has. Physically, despite a slight build, he maximizes his leverage by working off a Tim Lincecum-like delivery with a rock and a tip at the top. However, his size leaves him unable to generate much downward plane on his fastball or changeup. In essence, he has thrived with deception, smarts and control. After all, this is a Princeton educated man. He has a plan, and knows how to baffle hitters. The problem is that MLB hitters will not let Bowman through a lineup multiple times.

3) RHP Erik Goeddel

Goeddel gets this spot pretty much because he's on the 40-man roster. He has nice size at 6'3", but his inconsistent command hurt him in triple-A and the big leagues and makes all of his offerings play down. His fastball lives at 94 mph, and he has a curve (76) and a firm changeup at (86). The curve will show as MLB average, but again, because he cannot keep it in the strike zone with bite, upper level hitters can sit on his fastball. If he learns to keep his curve in the zone, he has a chance to stick as a MLB reliever. Otherwise, his roster spot is in severe jeopardy.

Best-Case Scenario: 7th inning reliever.

Worst-Case Scenario:See you on the waiver wire.

Projected 2015 Start: AAA Las Vegas

MLB Arrival: 2014. He'll be back in 2015

4) RHP Akeel Morris

Akeel Morris put up stupid good numbers working out of the bullpen for the Savannah Sand Gnats in 2014. I have no idea why the Mets kept him in the SAL, the lowest level of full-season baseball all year only to add him to the team's 40-man roster over the winter.

He's a little guy who works hard to generate plus velocity. He has to focus on maintaining consistency in his delivery, which will always be an issue given his effort. He releases the ball very high, an unsual spot that seemed to help him keep hitters off balance.

His fastball sits in the low 90s, regularly in the 93-94 mph range and he can reach back for 96 when he's feeling good. His second pitch is a changeup that functions almost like a splitter, diving out of the strike zone. His slurvy slider needs work to get to not just MLB average but a weapon in triple-A. Although he lowered his walk rate in moving up from the NYP to the SAL, Morris' command is a big issue. In perhaps his biggest spot of the season, in game two of the playoffs against Asheville, his wild pitch allowed the go-ahead run to score. He could overwhelm a-ball hitters with his fastball/changeup combination and he should have success as he moves up the ladder of the minor league bullpens, but triple-A and big league hitters might punish his wildness, as they have done for Goeddel.

Basically, it's hard to rank a relief only guy much higher than this unless he projects as a shutdown guy at the back of a bullpen and until Morris' slider improves, he does not.

5) RHP Hansel Robles

The Mets have shuffled Robles on and off the team's 40-man roster, but after a strong finish to the 2014 season in the double-A bullpen, he's back on the roster.

After 17 undistinguished starts with a 4.97 ERA in double-A in 2014, the Mets slipped Robles off to the bullpen for Binghamton after his July 13th start. The results were a revelation. Out of the bullpen in shorter stretches, his velocity jumped, to the point where he was touching 96. Compare the numbers.

Best-Case Scenario: Third or 4th best guy in a bullpen, or a solid 7th inning guy

Worst-Case Scenario: Inconsistent results in the last few years suggest he is more AAA fodder and not a guy with a long MLB career

SNY's Andy Martino says Mets straying away from high-end outfielders

Dec 18 | 10:47PM

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What's next for the Mets?00:00:52

After the Mets signed Robinson Cano and Wilson Ramos, what's next? Will they go after a utility player or someone like A.J. Pollock?

The Mets have been extremely active this offseason, and GM Brodie Van Wagenen isn't done. At yet another introductory press conference -- this time for C Wilson Ramos -- Van Wagenen said "we still have some real money to spend."

And where could that money go? Another bullpen piece to go along with Jeurys Familia and Edwin Diaz in the back end would be ideal. But the Mets are also looking in the outfield market, and A.J. Pollock has remained a name connected to the blue and orange.

But speaking on "Baseball Night in New York" Tuesday, SNY's Andy Martino let everyone know the Mets are not looking Pollock's way at the moment. In fact, they are straying away from other intriguing options as well.

"One of the things that I think this club suffered from the last couple years was putting a lot of weight into 'ifs,'" Van Wagenen said on Dec. 4. "If player X is healthy, if player X rebounds to have another year, if we have a breakout season from a young player. My goal is that we try to eliminate as many 'ifs' as possible."

With the above in mind, SNY's Steve Gelbs asked Van Wagenen on Tuesday why new catcher Wilson Ramos -- who has missed significant time due to injury most seasons of his career -- doesn't qualify as an "if."

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Van Wagenen on Mets: 'We would argue that we're the favorites in the division right now'

Mets' Van Wagenen on Ramos signing: 'Wilson was the perfect fit for us'

Van Wagenen said Ramos 'commanded the room' during their meeting

The New York Mets officially welcome in their new catcher Wilson Ramos to the team, and he's ready to battle for the NL East crown.

While introducing new catcher Wilson Ramos on Tuesday at Citi Field, GM Brodie Van Wagenen explained why the Mets went in this direction.

"In short, Wilson was the perfect fit for us," Van Wagenen said, adding that while the team had a variety of options on the trade and free agent markets, the Mets chose their path "rather than allowing others to choose our path for us."

Van Wagenen noted that Ramos "commanded the room" when they met with him and cited his "poise" and "confidence" as traits that stuck out...

And Cashman has reason to put his newest employee right to work. According to Feinsand, Beltran was previously represented by Dan Lozano of MVP Sports Group, who also reps free agent superstar Manny Machado.

Former Met Jordany Valdespin wins MVP of Dominican Winter League

Valdespin hasn't played in the majors since 2015

Dec 18 | 10:11AM

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New York Mets' Jordany Valdespin warms up in the dugout before facing the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning of the Mets' 3-2 victory in a baseball game in Denver on Thursday, June 27, 2013. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski/AP)

Here comes Jordany Valdespin!

The former Mets second baseman has won the Dominican Winter League's Most Valuable Player award after hitting .352 with 14 steals in 45 games for Toros del Este.

Valdespin played mostly in right field for the team while hitting two home runs with 20 RBI.

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Mets sign OF Rajai Davis to minor league contract with invitation to spring training

The Mets signed outfielder Rajai Davis to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training, the club announced on Monday.

Davis hit .224 with an OPS of .690, 33 runs, six doubles, one triple, a home run and six RBIs across 101 games for the Indians last season. The 38-year-old stole 21 bases for Cleveland in 2018. Davis' speed and added outfield depth will serve as an advantage for the Mets, a club that is thin in both departments.

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Robinson Cano likely to be Mets' best second baseman in a decade

Comparing Cano's defensive numbers to former Mets' second basemen

By Deesha Thosar | Dec 17 | 4:14PM

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Robinson Cano's defensive stats00:00:28

The Mets' new second baseman Robinson Cano's defensive numbers are impressive over his career. He should upgrade the Mets' infield.

If we take a deep dive into Cano's defensive numbers compared to the Mets' previous second basemen, we'll find that no New York player in that position has come close to Cano's Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in over a decade.

DRS works to quantify a player's entire defensive performance by measuring how many runs he saved or cost the team on defense. It takes into account errors, range, arm and double-play ability to value positioning and first step.

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How Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen perfectly played the catcher market

Wilson Ramos is the right catcher at the right time for this Mets team

The first responsibility of a talent agent is to establish options in the marketplace, which allows him or her to create leverage against the client's top target. Then, and only then, is it time to strike a deal. In case you forgot, Brodie Van Wagenen was a prominent player agent prior to being hired as GM of the Mets in October.

As GM, I 100 percent believe he hoped to acquire Marlins C J.T. Realmuto. However, I also believe he learned early on that Miami's ask for Realmuto would be significantly more than Van Wagenen was willing to pay. So, instead of turning his back on the Marlins, he continued to engage them, while signaling to reporters and other teams that he was laser focused on trading for what many consider to be the top catcher in baseball.

Meanwhile, according to multiple reports, he met with free agents Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos, after which rumors about the Mets and Marlins and Realmuto reached a fever pitch...

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Why Noah Syndergaard trade talks will have an impact on Yankees and Mets for years to come

We can no longer dismiss the chance of a major blockbuster transpiring between the teams

It was weeks ago now, long before any of us noticed, that Brian Cashman and Brodie Van Wagenen began talking. The reason seemed simple enough -- Cashman needed pitching, and Van Wagenen had it.

But, as anyone who follows New York baseball knows, this was no small thing at all, and was in fact the beginning of a major change. For years, the Yankees and Mets simply did not believe that a significant deal between them was possible. Now, somehow, they were talking about Noah Syndergaard and others.

Syndergaard did not ultimately become a Yankee, of course. But it got closer than anyone would have thought possible, and that very fact brings major, positive ramifications for years to come. We can no longer dismiss the chance of a major blockbuster transpiring between the teams.

Jeurys Familia said Monday that he preferred to return to the Mets to be a setup man over going to a different team to close.

"It means a lot for me, it (is) where I grew up, it's like a home for me," Familia said during a conference call. "That's why I am here today. It doesn't matter what inning I am going to pitch. I come back here to win and get a championship."

Familia added that one of his goals was to return to the Mets, and that he told his agent that if there was any possibility, to make it happen...

Plus updates on the relief market

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock warms up before his at-bat against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at AT&T Park. (Stan Szeto/USA TODAY Sports)

The Mets remain in the market for an everyday center fielder and possibly one or two more additions to the bullpen, particularly a left-handed reliever. Here are the latest rumors from each of the above markets, followed by my take...

By Danny Abriano | Dec 17 | 9:06AM

With Ramos on board, the Mets are now out on Realmuto, according to Martino, who said the team deemed the Marlins' asking price to be too high. In other talks with the Marlins about Realmuto, Miami expressed interest in Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, and Amed Rosario, reportedly asking for two of the three at one point.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | This is to take nothing away from the value of Realmuto, who is a special talent in his prime, but the Marlins need to get their demands in check before they lose every potential suitor for him...

That of course also means they're out on free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal, who they were considering along with Ramos.

The above is a good thing for the Mets. Yes, it would have been exciting to add Realmuto. But in the end, the Mets made the smarter move. And the smarter move is also the better move. Here's why...

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The Mets' plans for Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki after signing Wilson Ramos

Dec 16 | 7:51PM

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New York Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud is seen during the second inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson/AP)

After the Mets agreed to a deal with catcher Wilson Ramos and took themselves out of the J.T. Realmuto sweepstakes, the Mets plan to stick with Travis d'Arnaud and explore a trade of Kevin Plawecki, a source told SNY.tv's Andy Martino.

The Mets are still looking for a center fielder and a left-handed reliever, according to Fancred's Jon Heyman, and with Ramos and d'Arnaud, Plawecki is expendable.

Plawecki, 27, hit .210/.315/.370 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 79 games for the Mets last year, however Ramos is a significant upgrade to the lineup.

Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard has seen his name come up in trade rumors all offseason, recently tweeting at MLB Network that he doesn't believe them. On Saturday, Syndergaard updated his Twitter bio, adding a line that said "SNY is trying to trade me."

Early Sunday, Syndergaard took to Instagram, posting a picture of himself on the mound in his Mets uniform, using the caption 'My Team, Our Colors, New York's Future.'

Sadly, Wagner has consistently fallen short of the 75-percent threshold needed for an induction. He received just 10.5 percent during 2016 -- his first year on the ballot.

In 16 seasons, Wagner pitched for the Astros, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, and Braves, for whom he collected 422 saves with a 2.31 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 1,196 strikeouts in 903 innings. The opposition hit just .187 against him, while striking out 33 percent of the time, both of which are the most all-time among pitchers who have thrown at least 800 innings during their careers. So why does he keep getting overlooked for the Hall?

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Todd Frazier plans to take Mets rookie Peter Alonso under wing

The veteran third baseman requested his locker be next to Alonso this spring

By John Healy | Dec 15 | 1:08PM

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Aug 29, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Todd Frazier (21) tips his helmet after hitting a grand slam home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Young-USA TODAY Sports (Jim Young)

Mets captain David Wright may no longer be around, but that does not mean the team is void of leadership.

Enter Todd Frazier.

The veteran third baseman, whom Mickey Callaway has already declared the starter over Jeff McNeil, plans to take rookie first baseman Peter Alonso under his wing and has requested that the 24-year-old's locker be placed next to his this spring training, he told Kevin Kernan of the New York Post.

According to SNY's Andy Martino, the Mets' catching situation is moving closer to a resolution. And that doesn't mean a deal or trade is imminent, but Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen and his team are working hard to get it done.

While the Mets were said to be "very aggressive" to trade for Marlins C J.T. Realmuto, Martino is hearing from multiple people that the team is very serious about free-agent C Yasmani Grandal.

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How Winter Meetings impacted MLB market, affects Mets

Price for top-end catcher will be pricey regardless of trade or free agency

Brodie Van Wagenen speaks during a news conference to announce the New York Mets new General Manager Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Frank Franklin II/AP)

Aside from a few nifty quips by Bryce Harper's agent, there was little real action on baseball's two biggest free agents at this week's Winter Meetings. Harper and Scott Boras sat down with a few clubs and Manny Machado has meet-and-greets scheduled in the coming days, but neither player seems close to a resolution.

Instead, the best intel to come out of Las Vegas might have been about the developing bullpen market. Or further confirmation that shopping for a top-end catcher, by trade or free agency, will be pricey.

That affects both the Yankees and Mets, who are searching for upgrades. Here's a look at the market following the week in Vegas.

The Mets minor-league outfielder and former Heisman Trophy winner released a video via his charity, the Tim Tebow Foundation, where he expressed optimism that he will be able to bounce back from his season-ending surgery of his broken hamate bone in his right hand.

The Mets and Familia agreed to a three-year deal, worth $30 million to bring the former closer back to their bullpen, the team officially announced on Friday.

"We are excited to bring Jeurys back to Flushing," Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said in an official statement. "Jeurys is a familiar face and an accomplished, elite reliever with experience that will fit well in our clubhouse."

Though Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen expressed his confidence in the catching tandem of Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki, he has not shied away at upgrades at the position, including a potential trade for Marlins All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Shea Anything Winter Meetings Wrap: Familia and Harper?!?!

Doug, Andy, and John wrap up podcast at Winter Meetings

Dec 13 | 3:39PM

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Doug Williams, Andy Martino and John Harper put the podcast wrap on the Winter Meetings! They talk about the return of Jeurys Familia to the Mets, and what the next moves will be for Brodie Van Wagenen.

They also address the probably crazy notion of the Mets jumping into the Bryce Harper sweepstakes. Could it ever happen?

Syndergaard would head to San Diego

New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. (Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports)

Las Vegas - The Mets, continuing to look for creative ways to acquire Miami catcher J.T. Realmuto, have discussed a three team trade this week with the San Diego Padres involving Realmuto and Noah Syndergaard, according to major league sources.

For context, this is one of many creative scenarios Mets are discussing to try to land Realmuto. A deal was not close, or even close to close, as of Thursday morning. The takeaway from this tidbit should be that Brodie Van Wagenen and his group are still pursuing Realmuto, and still listening on Syndergaard the right situation.

The loose parameters of these particular discussions would send Syndergaard to San Diego, Realmuto to New York, and Padres prospects to Miami. It's premature to say that a particular offer is on the table, but discussions are active, per sources.

The Mets bringing back Jeurys Familia on a three-year, $30 million deal feels at first like a sidestep, as opposed to an upgrade.

The reality is that he's a known commodity coming off five-consecutive successful seasons, and he's a veteran reliever with experience pitching in high-leverage situations under the bright lights and pressure of New York City.

The thing is, the above credentials may not be where he provides the most value to the Mets.

Mets Rumor Roundup for Thursday, Dec. 13: On the catching search, the outfield market, and more

The Mets have made two big moves, but there's more to come

Oct 26, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal (9) throws to first for an out against Boston Red Sox second baseman Brock Holt (not pictured) in the second inning in game three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports (Richard Mackson)

Mets select RHP Kyle Dowdy, OF Braxton Lee in Rule 5 Draft

Dowdy has a career 3.99 ERA, Lee has 50 outfield assists since going pro

Apr 3, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; General view of fans outside Citi Field before a game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Mets selected RHP Kyle Dowdy from the Indians in the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday morning at the Winter Meetings.

Dowdy, 25, had a 5.15 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with 120 strikeouts in 124.0 innings in Double-A and Triple-A in 2018.

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said Dowdy made "huge strides" in 2018 and has a "four-pitch repertoire that includes a 98 mph fastball," with Van Wagenen adding that Dowdy could be an option for the bullpen or as insurance for the rotation...

SNY's Steve Gelbs and Andy Martino discuss the Mets signing Jeurys Familia, and whether or not more bullpen help is on the way.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | After their reunion with free agent Jeurys Familia, the Mets might not be done adding high-end relievers to their bullpen.

With Edwin Diaz and Familia now on board to create a formidable 1-2 punch at the back-end of the pen, SNY's Andy Martino said early Thursday morning that his belief is that Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen came into the offseason seeking "three bullpen pieces."

Now that Van Wagenen has two of those three pieces, the question is where he'll turn next...

Mets' Van Wagenen on trade talks with Yankees: 'I haven't seen a 'Death Star' approach from my interactions with Cashman'

New York going into marketplace assuming current rotation remains intact

By Deesha Thosar | Dec 13 | 12:16AM

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Will Mets deal any aces?00:00:48

New York Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen weighs in on his strategy this winter meetings and the difficulty of trading Noah Syndergaard.

Though Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen is fielding calls for a handful of his top players, he admitted on Wednesday it's going to be "very difficult" to trade an ace like Noah Syndergaard.

After New York acquired elite closer Edwin Diaz and eight-time All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano from Seattle, Van Wagenen made it very clear that the Mets are going all in for the World Series championship next season. As far as conversations at the Winter Meetings go, he envisions holding that trophy with help from his current, star-studded rotation.

"We're going into this marketplace assuming that both [Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom], as well as Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler, are on our team," Van Wagenen said.

Baird left Boston after being sold on agent-turned-GM's vision

Dec 13 | 12:53AM

New York Mets Asst. GM Allard Baird divulges why he believes in Brodie Van Wagenen and how he'll approach player development.

New Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen has certainly drummed up plenty of buzz about his team this offseason and most recently during MLB's Winter Meetings.

After trading for Mariners' Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz, Van Wagenen has made headlines by aggressively pursuing Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto and even willing to do the unprecedented -- bring the Yankees in as a third team in order to get what he wants.

Allard Baird, the Mets' new vice president and assistant GM of scouting and player development, has certainly been impressed by the agent-turned-GM and he said it should not come as much of a surprise, either.

The 33-year-old Jones hit .281/.313/.419 with 15 homers in 145 games for the Orioles in 2018 as his slugging percentage dropped to the lowest it has been since 2008, during what was his first full year in the majors. Meanwhile, Jones' defense in center field continued to decline in 2018, with him worth -18 DRS in 906.2 innings in center field and -6 DRS in 272.2 innings in right field.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | With Jones in decline on both sides of the ball, and the Mets preferring to keep Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo in corner outfield spots, it's hard to see Jones as a good fit...

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Here are the free agent shortstops Mets would reportedly target if they trade Amed Rosario

A Mets trade involving Amed Rosario is far from certain, but names of his potential replacement at shortstop have begun to emerge during this week's Winter Meetings.

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen has been in touch with the representatives for free agents Alcides Escobar, Adeiny Hechavarria and Freddy Galvis, with Galvis being the team's top choice among the trio, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

The Yankees have also been in touch with Galvis' camp, reported Sherman.

The team has what they consider a strong offer out to Happ, and hope he accepts it. So far, Happ has held strong on his desire for three guaranteed years. The Yankees have been reluctant to go there for a 36-year-old pitcher. Still, there is strong mutual interest.